"From Groningen to Maastricht and Amsterdam to Enschede: I travelled all over the Netherlands to visit universities in my study choice process. In secondary school, I had always been broadly interested and knew I wanted to go in the technical direction, but I didn't have a specific study programme in mind yet. That’s why I looked at many different options.
While orientating, I found out that most technical studies tend to specialise in a certain field quite soon, whereas I wanted a study programme with a broader perspective. That is why Advanced Technology appealed to me: you learn about different technical disciplines - from physics to mathematics and chemistry -, there is a lot of elective space, and you also get to work on practical projects, which allows you to use your creativity. I also really like the personal and informal atmosphere of the programme, which made me feel at home very quickly.
Planes and accelerometers
Right from the first weeks of the bachelor’s, you start applying engineering principles to everyday life. For example, in our first project, we had to build a miniature wooden aeroplane and calculate the forces involved in flying. Turns out you will apply the theory you learn in the first few weeks much faster than expected!
The most fun project I did was on dynamics though, in the last module of the first year. The assignment was to make an accelerometer and come up with a practical application for it. Considering the increasing number of e-bikes in traffic, we chose to build a bicycle accelerometer. We connected it to a bicycle light that turned red when braking and green when accelerating, similar to a car's brake lights. Because the accelerometer allowed us to visualise when the bike increased or decreased in speed, you could cycle much more safely: other road users could better anticipate your speed because of the lamp.
What I liked most about this project was its versatility: we really had to think about everything! From the calculations and the design to the practical issues such as lack of space (because of the luggage carrier) and the costs (the product could not be too expensive). This project combined all the disciplines we covered in the first year, from calculus to mechanics and electrical engineering. So, you are not 'just' building something, but very consciously using all the theory you have learned to solve the problem at hand.
Building bridges
Studying Advanced Technology helps you to automatically view problems from a multidisciplinary lens. You can easily switch between different perspectives and thus make connections between disciplines: you are a bridge builder. That’s why, as a student, it is important that you have an open mind and that you are curious, problem-solving and a team player. Furthermore, you need to have a broad interest in engineering and be motivated: because you deal with so many different disciplines, the programme can be quite challenging sometimes. But that is also very valuable. It helps you find out what you really like!
After my bachelor’s I would like to specialise and continue with the Master Robotics because it has so many interesting, practical applications. For example, my bachelor’s thesis is about the design of medical robots that can fix blood clots in veins. Maybe one day I would also like to do something with education. I enjoy getting other people excited about engineering, especially young girls. My advice? Don't let fear of it being a 'man's world' stop you. If you are interested in engineering and tech, just go for it!"
